Cù-sìth

The cù-sìth (pronounced "koo-shee" in Scottish Gaelic), with its plural form coin-shìthe ("kon-hee"), is a legendary supernatural hound in Celtic folklore, particularly prominent in Scottish and Irish traditions. In Irish folklore, it appears as cú sídhe, and shares notable similarities with the Welsh mythological hounds known as Cŵn Annwn.

According to Highland legends, this spectral creature makes its dwelling in rocky crevices and roams freely across the misty Scottish moorlands. Descriptions typically portray the cù-sìth as an imposing beast with a distinctive dark green shaggy coat and a size comparable to a small cow—an unmistakable supernatural presence in the landscape.

Highland tradition warns that this otherworldly hound hunts in perfect silence until it releases exactly three haunting barks that carry for remarkable distances—even reaching sailors far offshore. Those who hear these ominous sounds must find shelter before the third bark sounds, or risk being overcome by such paralyzing terror that death follows swiftly.